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What is Database Virtualization?

M. McGee
By M. McGee
Updated May 16, 2024
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Database virtualization centers on using database software to mask the physical location and configuration of a database from querying programs. Although the actual database used by the program might exist on several servers, the programs using it see it as if it is a normal database. Using virtualization technology simplifies database management, makes databases faster and lowers the cost of maintaining large database systems.

Problems with Standard Databases

A standard database exists on a single computer. The database uses a single server or server cluster to store an information set. This set expands and contracts as information is stored or removed. These types of databases typically are easy to maintain, but they are less useful for the user because the number of simultaneous users and database queries are limited by the power of the database’s hardware. In addition, any problem with the computer or its network will render the database inaccessible.

Advantages of Virtualization

Database virtualization alleviates some of these problems by decentralizing the database. A virtualized database can exist on several computers, in many locations and on multiple types of database software. In essence, the database is made of little pieces of databases connected to the system.

Use of Layers

This process is made possible through something called a database virtualization layer. When a query is made to a database, it enters the software that makes up this layer. The layer then accesses a listing of database pieces and locations, finds the place holding the information and sends the request to that location. The initial query thinks that the database virtualization layer is the actual database that it spoke to and brings the information back as though nothing was different.

Benefits for the User

Database virtualization is better for people who use and maintain the database. From the user's perspective, he or she gains several advantages without any significant change to the applications. The user can continue to use the same programs as before, because the database virtualization layer controls the queries rather than the system. The information is more quickly accessible than before, because fewer people are querying the single location. Lastly, database downtime is reduced because the database is spread out over many locations.

Benefits for the Administrator

From the administrator’s perspective, database virtualization works out very well. The database is already fragmented, so it is easy to have each part of the database existing in multiple locations at the same time. By having all of the database sections replicated, individual sections are easy to take offline for maintenance and repair. In case of a computer or network failure, the data is preserved in alternate locations. This backup and replication process is largely automatic, performed by the database virtualization software, freeing up time for the administrator to work on other things.

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Discussion Comments

By anon302696 — On Nov 11, 2012

There is a good write-up of the challenges of SQL database virtualization, benefits, and solutions that you might find valuable. It evaluates the virtualization benefits inherent in each approach.

By anon163688 — On Mar 28, 2011

There is a company called Delphix that does database virtualization and seems to have many happy large customers.

By anon148931 — On Feb 02, 2011

I am working in database virtualization for my master degree and I need help from anybody has information or references about this topic, Really I need it urgently.

thank you in advance.

By anon132914 — On Dec 08, 2010

interesting concept. But has anyone started using this?

I never heard someone implementing this in sql server?

Not sure if such feature exists in Orcale or Sybase or DB2?

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